Pacifiers and Oral Development: What the Experts Say

Let’s talk pacifiers. Or binkies. Or pacis. Whatever you call them, if you're a parent, you've probably already had a love-hate relationship with one. They soothe your baby when nothing else will and then somehow vanish into thin air every other hour. Classic.

But somewhere in the middle of all that, there's that nagging voice in our heads asking: is this thing bad for my baby’s mouth? Are we going to end up with a preschooler who needs braces because of a newborn pacifier? Let’s break it down, mom-to-mom, with what the experts actually say, and how something like the Ingy Bingy Band (our handy little pacifier wristband) can help keep things easy and worry-free.

So… Are Pacifiers “Bad” for Babies?

Short answer? Not really, especially not when they’re used the right way. Pediatricians and dentists actually agree that pacifiers can be really helpful in those early months. They satisfy your baby’s natural sucking reflex, help with calming and sleep, and, bonus, they may even reduce the risk of SIDS.

The potential issues come in when pacifier use drags on for too long—think beyond age 2 or 3. That’s when experts say it might start to affect things like how the baby teeth line up or the shape of the roof of the mouth. But in the first year or two? Totally fine in moderation.

Real Talk: The Pacifier Keeps Falling Out

We’ve all done the “binky dive.” The one where your kid drops their pacifier on the floor of Target and you do the full squat-and-scoop in one motion while pushing the cart with your knee. You feel me?

That’s exactly why we created the Ingy Bingy Band. It’s a soft, comfy pacifier wristband, or pacifier bracelet, that velcros around your baby's wrist so that infant pacifier keeps falling out... less. Like, way less. It’s not a pacifier clip, so there’s no tugging or dangling from their clothes. Just baby, binky, and some well-earned peace and quiet.

Keeping It Healthy (And Chill)

So here’s what we’ve learned: the experts say pacifiers are safe for infants when used wisely. You don’t have to stress every time your baby wants their binky. Just try to keep it for naps, bedtime, and meltdowns, not as an all-day plug.

And if you’re tired of losing pacifiers under the crib, between the car seats, or in your own bra (yes, that’s happened), the Ingy Bingy Band is your new best friend. It keeps the pacifier close without clips, cords, or mystery floor germs.

Pacifiers aren’t the enemy. They're a tool, just like white noise machines, coffee, and dry shampoo. Use them wisely, clean them often, and when you’re ready to start weaning, take it slow. Until then, make your life easier. Because the last thing we need is another reason to bend over 42 times a day.

 

The Ingy Bingy Band is not your everyday pacifier clip! This game-changing pacifier wristband helps babies self-soothe at a younger age than ever before! Instinctively, babies gnaw on their hands in an attempt to soothe. The Ingy Bingy pacifier wristband keeps their pacifier right where they’ll find it, allowing your baby to comfort and calm themselves while you do whatever it is you need to do!

Our buttery soft wristband comes in two styles to accommodate every pacifier.

Our Pacific style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Avent, BIBS, Dr. Brown’s, MAM, Nuby, NUK, Medela, FRIGG, Nanobébé, Tommee Tippee, and Chicco pacifiers. 

Our Sequoia style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Itzy Ritzy, Ryan & Rose, and The Dearest Grey pacifiers.  

If you are still unsure which pacifier wristband style is right for you, check out our style guide or text the name and/or picture of your preferred paci & we’ll let you know which style is right for you!